South Africa and the Aftermath of Portugal's ‘Exemplary’ Decolonization: The Security Dimension

Robert McNamara

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

Abstract

The Portuguese Revolution of 1974–75 had a profound impact on southern Africa, forcing the government of John Vorster to re-evaluate South Africa's diplomatic and strategic options. But because events in Lisbon — as well as in Mozambique and Angola — evolved slowly, an overconfident Pretoria found itself unable to read the situation clearly. In this it was hampered by interagency power struggles, as well as its relationship with Rhodesia. Generally cautious towards Mozambique, South Africa was rather more reckless in its involvement in Angola. This resulted in an embarrassing diplomatic defeat which revealed the emptiness of its proposed policy of détente, as well as of hopes of a new understanding with the United States.
LanguageEnglish
Pages227-250
JournalPortuguese Studies
Volume29
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 30 Sep 2013

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Angola
decolonization
Mozambique
Portugal
policy of détente
power struggle
Southern Africa
Zimbabwe
event

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McNamara, Robert. / South Africa and the Aftermath of Portugal's ‘Exemplary’ Decolonization: The Security Dimension. 2013 ; Vol. 29, No. 2. pp. 227-250.
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McNamara, R 2013, 'South Africa and the Aftermath of Portugal's ‘Exemplary’ Decolonization: The Security Dimension', vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 227-250.

South Africa and the Aftermath of Portugal's ‘Exemplary’ Decolonization: The Security Dimension. / McNamara, Robert.

Vol. 29, No. 2, 30.09.2013, p. 227-250.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

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McNamara R. South Africa and the Aftermath of Portugal's ‘Exemplary’ Decolonization: The Security Dimension. 2013 Sep 30;29(2):227-250.

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